Cr12MoV vs 1.2601
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
Cr12MoV
Tool Steel
Cr12MoV is China’s D2-family cold work steel (GB/T 1299), with somewhat less molybdenum and vanadium than AISI D2 / 1.2379. It is the most specified die steel in Chinese mold and press shops.
Standards: DIN 1.2379 (family) · AISI D2 (family) · JIS SKD11 (family) · GB Cr12MoV
1.2601
Tool Steel
1.2601 (X165CrMoV12) sits between D2 and D6: high carbon and 12% chromium with small Mo, W and V additions balancing wear resistance, hardenability and stability. It is a traditional German grade for heavily loaded cold work dies.
Standards: DIN 1.2601 · AISI — (D2/D6 intermediate type) · GB Cr12Mo1V (near)
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | Cr12MoV | 1.2601 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1.45–1.70 | 1.55–1.75 |
| Si | ≤0.40 | 0.25–0.40 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | 0.25–0.40 |
| Cr | 11.00–12.50 | 11.00–12.00 |
| Mo | 0.40–0.60 | 0.60–0.80 |
| V | 0.15–0.30 | 0.20–0.35 |
| W | — | 0.40–0.60 |
Properties compared
| Property | Cr12MoV | 1.2601 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 58–62 HRC | 58–62 HRC |
| Density | 7.70 g/cm³ | 7.75 g/cm³ |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: Cr12MoV · 1.2601. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.